Message from the Chair

GAIL GIVEN, REGIONAL BOARD CHAIR

So much has changed over the course of 2020. Masks and hand sanitizers are commonplace. We’ve quickly learned about bubbles, social distancing and frequent hand washing. Perhaps more importantly, Dr. Henry has reminded us to be kind, be calm and be safe.

Public safety means there are fewer Directors, staff and residents physically attending Board meetings Thankfully we, like others adapted our technology so that those unable to participate in person, are with us by videoconference.

While our Board adopted 2020-2024 Financial Plan was drafted before COVID-19, through the course of the year we made some pandemic-related adjustments for shifted departmental work plans. Recognizing the financial hardship facing some electoral area residents, our Board approved a plan to waive late fees on 2020 utility bills.

As Economic Development is one of the Board Strategic Priorities, our Economic Development Commission and local government partners quickly responded by launching the Regional Recovery Task Force to communicate to senior governments the needs, barriers and opportunities of the region to first respond and then support business as we begin to transition to economic recovery

Throughout 2020 we didn’t miss a beat in delivering our vital programs and services. The first region-wide Central Okanagan Transportation and supporting plans were unveiled These will be key to help us get around the region in the future. To support the Board’s Community Sustainability priority, we received a new Regional Emergency Plan and an updated Emergency Preparedness Bylaw. Each builds on the successful experiences of our Emergency Operation Centre and response programs. We received a $149,000 grant from the Union of BC Municipalities to partner with the

United Way Southern Interior BC to develop a Central Okanagan Community Wellness and Poverty Strategy This will provide a coordinated community response: identifying actions and priorities to address poverty and wellness for the region.

I had the pleasure of participating in a pre-pandemic standing room only Climate Resiliency event at UBCO featuring Nobel Peace Prize nominee and environmental advocate Shelia Watt-Cloutier This highlighted the Okanagan’s first Climate Projections Report intended to support regional planning initiatives to prepare for future climate events

Our Regional Floodplain Management Plan and mapping efforts in partnership with the Okanagan Basin Water Board earned significant recognition as we were presented with the Southern Interior Local Government Association Community Excellence Award for Environmental Sustainability This collaborative project also garnered an Honourable Mention from the Union of BC Municipalities!

Your Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District continues to provide significant funding for priority hospital and health facility construction and healthrelated equipment. In fact, during the fall, we amended our budget for three projects including $1.7-million for the new Westside Urgent and Primary Care Centre

In closing, I want to recognize the continued dedication of our Regional Board Directors and thank them for their confidence in acclaiming me as their Chair for the seventh year And my deep gratitude as well to our amazing team of RDCO staff. Throughout the course of this year they continued to provide exceptional service on behalf of all Central Okanagan residents.